Magnify Jesus Christ - Preach Revelation!

O WORSHIP THE KING

 

When I came to Freeport in 2008 I wanted to be very strategic and intentional in my role as pastor-teacher. After a short thematic series of sermons on "Biblical Exposition: An FBC Distinctive," I decided to take my new congregation through the book of Revelation. The most common response I got when sharing that bit of information with fellow believers was, "Are you crazy, stupid, or a little bit of both?" Ok not really, but I could see what many Christians were thinking when I told them what my plans were:  Why Revelation?  For those preachers who love to proclaim the glories of Jesus Christ Revelation is your book!

Most Christian’s think of Revelation as a very complicated New Testament book with lots and lots of prophecy charts and really strange enigmas that no one truly understands. Yet I found that the book of Revelation is one of the most Christ-centered, doxological books in the Bible.   It is also one of the most encouraging New Testament books, especially for persecuted believers (pay special attention to the original context in Revelation 1:9).  Chapter 1 begins with a picture of Jesus Christ in all His post-resurrection glory (note Revelation 1:12-20)!  This triumphant vision sucks the air out of your sanctified lungs (note Revelation 1:17).  Chapters 2 and 3 provide immensely practical instructions from the Lord of the Church to seven congregations in Asia Minor.  These are seven real churches that represent the type of congregations (and church goers) that exist in every century of church history.  What King Jesus praises and condemns in these chapters is some of the richest pastoral theology in all the Bible.  Revelation 4 pictures heaven's worship of the Sovereign Creator of the universe (the Lord God Almighty is His name).  Revelation 5 highlights the great Hero of Heaven, Jesus Christ.  He alone is worthy to “open the book and its seven seals” (note Revelation 5:5-7).   Some of the richest details about the gospel are also presented in this magnificent fifth chapter (see Revelation 5:9-14).  I believe that Revelation 6-18 describes the awful Tribulation period that is yet "to come" (see Revelation 1:19; 3:10).   Rather than spend six months in chapters 16-18 going verse by verse through the Text I provided two overview sermons of this unit of Scripture.  Chapter 19 highlights the majestic return of Christ as the righteous Judge, the Holy Warrior, and as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords while chapter 20 describes the millennial Kingdom and the final judgment of all God's enemies. Chapters 21-22 showcase the New Heavens and the New Earth.  As I exposited the final two chapters of Revelation I told my flock that heaven is going to be mind-numbingly massive, heart-stoppingly holy, and breathtakingly beautiful.  For believers the best is yet to come.  Is it any wonder that after taking all of this in John proclaims, "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus! Come!"

Ministry Maxim #1

 ONE

Ministry Maxim #1: Stop trying to accomplish kingdom work in your own human strength.

I came up with this maxim while preaching through Colossians 1:28-29.  In verse 29 Paul notes, For this reason I labor, striving according to His power which mightily works within me.  The proper balance in life and in ministry is maximum human effort (note the holy perspiration Paul puts forth) yet with total reliance on Christ (for apart from Him we can do nothing)!

So many times I find myself trying to accomplish kingdom work in Caleb Kolstad's strength.  This pattern of behavior is a perfect recipe for burn out and failure.  In God's patience He often allows me to fall flat on my face.  Once we are on our backs (or knees) we often cry out to Him for help, which in turn, strengthens us for the task at hand! 

The Apostle Paul had come to understand this "maxim" in his own ministry context  (note specifically 2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

Pragmatism and the Pulpit by John MacArthur

Pragmatism and the Pulpit 

by Pastor John MacArthur

"In a column published some years ago in a popular Christian magazine, a well-known preacher was venting his own loathing for long sermons. January 1 was coming, so he resolved to do better in the coming year. "That means wasting less time listening to long sermons and spending much more time preparing short ones," he wrote. "People, I've discovered, will forgive even poor theology as long as they get out before noon."

Unfortunately, that perfectly sums up the predominant attitude behind much of ministry today. Bad doctrine is tolerable; a long sermon most certainly is not. The timing of the benediction is of far more concern to the average churchgoer than the content of the sermon. Sunday dinner and the feeding of our mouths takes precedence over Sunday school and the nourishment of our souls. Long-windedness has become a greater sin than heresy.

The church has imbibed the worldly philosophy of pragmatism, and we're just beginning to taste the bitter results.

A Much Needed Reminder From the Doctor

The greatest preacher in Europe during the 20th century was Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Though dead, the good doctor still speaks.

In page 284, volume 2 of his biography we read this, "Two columns in a LA newspaper headed, 'British Cleric Pleads for Stress on Preaching.' The paper reported him as saying, 'Too little preaching and too much music, ritual and entertainment are leading to too much Christian superficiality.'" Talk about prophetic.

"Evangelism, he told them, has to be church-centered and the churches need no special technique or advertising. They are built up by sound preaching, preaching the Word of God in a Christ-centered way, with conviction, and looking to the Holy Spirit to apply it...When the local church has a spirit of evangelism, members tell others about Christ, and through personal contact among friends, acquaintances and business associates bring many into the church." Talk about relevant.

May the Lord raise up more "Lloyd-Jones'" to strengthen and grow His precious Church
(Colossians 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-15).

..."Take An Interest In Others, Too."

On Sunday, April 19 a busload of caring FBC church members traveled 45 minutes to celebrate the 10th pastoral Anniversary of Dr. Chris Brauns.  It brought my heart great joy to witness so many First Baptist Church members hop on a church bus in effort to show the love of Christ to a like-minded church in Stillman Valley.

As a leadership team you hope and pray that the Lord's people will manifest an "others-orientated" mindset as Paul so commends in Philippians 2:1-4.  Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

The Best Birthday Present Ever!

One of God's best gifts is the gift of family.  Psalm 127:3 reminds us that, "Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD."  While verse 5 of this inspired song declares, "How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies at the gate."

One of the greatest joys of parenting young children is that the more you give the more you receive.  In God's abundant grace you always get back more than you give.  As such our children teach us a lot about our relationship with our blessed Godhead!

The Word of God also celebrates the gift of 'covenant companionship.'  "He who finds a wife finds a good thing (a treasure) and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22).  

I am blessed among men because of the great blessing God has given me in my wife and kids.  Proverbs 31:10, "An excellent wife who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."  

I received many special birthday greetings last week for which I am most grateful!  The most special present I received was this special "book" from my eldest daughter (8). 

Please indulge me as I share this special present with you (my daughter's kindness).

"Meet the World's Best Dad"

By E. M. Kolstad

How Long Should a Sermon Be?

 

If you were to "Google search" my name a number of ministry pages from 'yesteryear' would come up including a link to a somewhat humorous back and forth I had with Dan Phillips over at Pyromaniacs from four or five years ago.  In the comments sections of a blog post Dan and I were discussing and debating, "How Long Should a Sermon Be?"  Is their a magic number?  How long is too long?  Is 20-28 minutes the perfect length, as the authors of Saving Eutychus suggest? 

This past week a faithful missionary pastor wrote an insightful article on this very subject.  This blog post captures the spirit of what I was trying to say myself many years ago (only Brian says it is so much better).  1 Peter 2:2-3.  Enjoy!

 

How Long Should a Sermon Be?

By Missionary-Pastor Brian Biedebach

 

According to at least one recent poll, the most frequent preaching length is 20 to 28 minutes. If that is true, it is a telling indicator about the spiritual shallowness of churches today. Many churches have already done away with their evening services and if the popular trend is to reduce the sermon time on a Sunday morning, our generation is receiving less than half of the biblical teaching our parents received.

How is it that we think we can grow more with less preaching of God’s Word? I don’t buy it, that pastors today can preach with greater depth in 20 minutes compared to the 80 minutes (or more) pastors used to be given (between the morning and evening services).

Not too long ago, someone in my church told me they thought my sermons were too long. I was thankful for their honest desire to help me better shepherd our flock. And as I thought about the reasons they may have come to that conclusion, I considered the following possibilities:

A Good Assistant Pastor Is Hard to Find.

A ministry friend posted this article from 9 Marks Ministries that is both insightful and wise.  It is often quite helpful for Senior Pastors to serve somewhere first as a "good" and faithful Assistant Pastor for two reasons:  1) It helps us appreciate what is spoken of below.  In other words, it helps one better understand the unique burdens, blessings, and challenges that Assistant Pastors face.  2) It is also beneficial because the man who is too proud to follow well will never lead others well.  The twelve disciples were first humble learners before the Lord Jesus set them loose to be courageous leaders (apostles).

This article was written by Pastor Jason Helopoulos as part of 9 Marks Ministries. 

"Good assistant pastors are hard to find. I don’t say this because I am one. I say this merely from observation and as the hearer of too many horror stories."

"WHAT MAKES A “GOOD” ASSISTANT PASTOR?

A good assistant pastor must be marked by the same things as any other pastor. He must possess a love for God, his Word, and his people. He needs to be strong and winsome, a teacher yet teachable, a man of prayer and action. Yet, he also must possess additional qualities. He is not only called to serve the congregation, but also the senior pastor. Whatever his “job description” may be, he must understand that he is assisting. This is essential. Here are some things a good assistant pastor is marked by, traits that, Lord willing, I will strive to acquire more and more of in my life and ministry.

1. A good assistant pastor is unflinchingly loyal, but not enamored.

"Your sermons are really boring!" Where have I heard that before? An Autobiography.

image used from "church for men"

Perhaps this personal testimony may encourage some of you pastors and parents out there.

When my family moved to California in 1991 we started attending THE Grace Community Church (as Dr. Mohler calls it).  Believe it or not, I use to think that John MacArthur was really, really boring.  I seriously believed Pastor John was the problem so I begged my parents to search for another local church.  I wanted shorter, lighter fluff and an activities-driven youth group.  Go figure!  My infinitely wise parents said something like, "Thanks for your opinion and insights son, but no thanks."  So my family remained at Grace for twelve years and our lives have never been the same!

In God's providence I was brought to true repentance and faith in Christ a year or two later.   As I grew in the faith I found myself becoming more and more hungry for the Word (1 Peter 2:2-3).  I began to crave the meat of God's Word (per Hebrews 5:11-14).